Rumors surrounding Apple's long-anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market are intensifying, with new details suggesting the company is targeting a fundamental improvement over current devices. The focus is squarely on eliminating the most persistent user complaint in foldables: the visible screen crease. As the purported 2026 launch window approaches, leaks point to a combination of novel materials and engineering aimed at delivering a seamless viewing experience.
The Pursuit of a Crease-Free Display
At the heart of Apple's strategy appears to be the development and testing of Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass (UFG). Unlike the more common Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) used in rivals' devices, UFG is engineered with a variable thickness. The folding region is reportedly made thinner to enhance flexibility and distribute bending stress more evenly, while the rest of the panel retains standard thickness for durability. The goal is not necessarily to eliminate the crease physically but to render it virtually invisible to the naked eye, a significant step forward in user experience. While reports indicate Apple is still validating this technology, its continued testing so close to the expected launch suggests a strong commitment to solving this core challenge.
Engineering the Fold with Liquid Metal
Complementing the advanced glass is a sophisticated hinge mechanism said to incorporate liquid metal. This material, known for its high strength and ability to be cast into precise, complex shapes, would form part of a "pressure-dispersing metal plate" within the hinge. The aim is to create a smooth, consistent folding motion that minimizes stress points on the display panel. This combination of a tailored glass surface and a precision-engineered hinge is what sources claim could give the iPhone Fold its distinctive "crease-free" look, setting it apart from the current generation of foldables.
Design and Specifications Take Shape
Recent renders and reports have coalesced around a specific design language and set of specs for the device. The iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a book-style "horizontal fold" form factor, with an outer cover display and a larger inner screen. The cover screen is rumored to measure between 5.3 and 5.5 inches, offering one-handed usability when closed. Opening the device reveals a substantial 7.8-inch inner display, with a screen aspect ratio compared to devices like the OPPO Find N for a wider, more productive canvas. In its folded state, the phone is said to be approximately 9mm thick, slimming down to just 4.5mm when unfolded.
Reported iPhone Fold Specifications:
- Form Factor: Book-style (horizontal) fold
- Cover Display: 5.3 - 5.5 inches
- Inner Display: 7.8 inches
- Thickness: ~9mm (folded), ~4.5mm (unfolded)
- Key Display Tech: UFG (Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass) under testing, Liquid Metal Hinge
- Processor: Apple A20 Pro (rumored)
- Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (Power Button); No Face ID
- Estimated Price: USD 2,000 - USD 2,500
- Estimated Launch: September 2026
Performance and Feature Compromises
Beneath the innovative display, the iPhone Fold is predicted to house Apple's latest silicon, likely an A20 Pro chip, paired with a second-generation cellular modem for connectivity. Powering the device will be a high-density battery, crucial for supporting the dual displays. However, achieving this new form factor seems to involve some trade-offs. Notably, rumors consistently suggest Apple will forgo its signature Face ID system in this model, opting instead for a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. Furthermore, the device may launch in a limited palette of classic black and white color options, emphasizing a premium, minimalist aesthetic.
A Premium Price for a Pioneering Product
As with any first-generation technology carrying the Apple brand, the iPhone Fold is anticipated to command a premium price. Estimates place the starting cost between USD 2,000 and USD 2,500, which would make it the most expensive iPhone ever released. This pricing reflects not only the costly materials and complex engineering involved but also Apple's positioning of the device as a flagship showcase of its innovation. The company is betting that a superior, near-creaseless display experience will justify the high entry point for early adopters and tech enthusiasts.
With a potential unveiling slated for September 2026, the development cycle for the iPhone Fold is entering a critical phase. While the final decision on whether UFG glass makes it into production remains unconfirmed, the relentless focus on mitigating the screen crease highlights Apple's approach: entering the foldable market not just to participate, but to redefine user expectations for the category.